When assessing a client with a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L (7.5 mmol/L), which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

Determine apical pulse rate and rhythm.

Observe color and amount of urine.

Compare muscle strength bilaterally.

Assess strength of deep tendon reflexes.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: This is the most important intervention because a high serum potassium level can cause cardiac dysrhythmias, which can be life-threatening. The nurse should monitor the client's heart rate and rhythm closely and report any changes or abnormalities to the healthcare provider.

Choice B reason: This is not the most important intervention because the color and amount of urine are not directly related to the serum potassium level. The nurse should assess the client's renal function and fluid balance, but these are not the priority assessments.

Choice C reason: This is also not the most important intervention because the muscle strength is not the most sensitive indicator of the serum potassium level. The nurse should evaluate the client's neuromuscular status and watch for signs of weakness or paralysis, but these are not the priority assessments.

Choice D reason: This is another incorrect intervention because the deep tendon reflexes are not the most reliable indicator of the serum potassium level. The nurse should check the client's reflexes and note any hyperreflexia or hyporeflexia, but these are not the priority assessments.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is the most important instruction because lowering the bed reduces the risk of injury to both the client and the UAP. It also makes it easier for the UAP to use proper body mechanics and leverage when assisting the client to move up in bed.

Choice B reason: This is not the most important instruction because encouraging the client to eat all of the meals that are sent is not directly related to repositioning the client. While adequate nutrition is important for wound healing and recovery, the nurse should assess the client's appetite, dietary needs, and preferences before instructing the UAP to encourage the client to eat.

Choice C reason: This is also not the most important instruction because offering fruit juice at least twice during both the day and evening shifts is not directly related to repositioning the client. While adequate hydration is important for preventing constipation and promoting circulation, the nurse should consider the client's fluid status, blood sugar levels, and potential interactions with medications before instructing the UAP to offer fruit juice.

Choice D reason: This is another incorrect instruction because having the client hold a pillow over the abdomen to cough and deep breathe is not directly related to repositioning the client. While coughing and deep breathing are important for preventing respiratory complications and promoting oxygenation, the nurse should instruct the client to perform these exercises at regular intervals, not only when repositioning.

A. Serum potassium and sodium levels B. Neutrophil count C. Blood pH level D. Hematocrit

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Serum potassium and sodium levels are not relevant to the assessment of the wound infection. They are electrolytes that regulate fluid balance, nerve conduction, and muscle contraction. They may be affected by dehydration, renal failure, or diuretics.

Choice B reason: Neutrophil count is the most relevant laboratory value to note before reporting the wound infection. Neutrophils are white blood cells that fight bacterial infections and inflammation. A high neutrophil count indicates an acute infection or inflammation, while a low neutrophil count indicates a compromised immune system or a chronic infection.

Choice C reason: Blood pH level is not relevant to the assessment of the wound infection. It is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the blood. It may be affected by respiratory or metabolic disorders, such as acidosis or alkalosis.

Choice D reason: Hematocrit is not relevant to the assessment of the wound infection. It is the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. It may be affected by anemia, dehydration, or polycythemia.

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When assessing a client with a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L (7.5 mmol/L), which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

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